SFC Michael Boulanger 7636 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I am going to beak it down for everyone how to address these spacific individuals:&amp;nbsp; If a Master Sergeant has the diamond he is a&amp;nbsp;First Sergeant&amp;nbsp;and addressed as such or TOP because he is the highest enlisted Soldier in your unit.&amp;nbsp; If there is a Master Sergeant without a Diamond they are addressed as Sergeant (not MSG, only if you are talking to someone else and specifying them by rank held).&amp;nbsp; If there is a Sergeant First Class and they are acting as a First Sergeant they are addressed and Sergeant, not First Sergeant because they do not hold that specific rank, also acceptable for SFC is TOP because he is the highest enlisted Soldier in your unit if they are acting in that position.&amp;nbsp; This Military Customs and Courtesies class is complete. 2013-11-18T13:15:39-05:00 SFC Michael Boulanger 7636

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I am going to beak it down for everyone how to address these spacific individuals:&amp;nbsp; If a Master Sergeant has the diamond he is a&amp;nbsp;First Sergeant&amp;nbsp;and addressed as such or TOP because he is the highest enlisted Soldier in your unit.&amp;nbsp; If there is a Master Sergeant without a Diamond they are addressed as Sergeant (not MSG, only if you are talking to someone else and specifying them by rank held).&amp;nbsp; If there is a Sergeant First Class and they are acting as a First Sergeant they are addressed and Sergeant, not First Sergeant because they do not hold that specific rank, also acceptable for SFC is TOP because he is the highest enlisted Soldier in your unit if they are acting in that position.&amp;nbsp; This Military Customs and Courtesies class is complete.

2013-11-18T13:15:39-05:00 2013-11-18T13:15:39-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 7879

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I had a SFC for a 1SG while deployed (wasn't even frocked) and he chewed us out left and right when we didn't address him as 1SG. Sad part was we were technically a detachment combined with a NG unit to create a makeshift Battery down range. Our UIC was the same as the unit we deployed from stateside, we deployed a platoon+. The actual 1SG and commander were back in the rear and a captain and a SFC created their positions downrange. So I technically had two. He was rated as a 1SG too.... 

2013-11-18T23:14:58-05:00 2013-11-18T23:14:58-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 7958

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Well said.

2013-11-19T07:51:41-05:00 2013-11-19T07:51:41-05:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 7962

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>This is good professional development! I like the Air Force method of call everyone by their rank, and 1SG being a position more than a rank, they have 3 grades of 1SG if memory serves.&lt;br&gt;

2013-11-19T07:56:34-05:00 2013-11-19T07:56:34-05:00 LTC Private RallyPoint Member 7969

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>&lt;p&gt;In my battalion one of my units is a Military Police Detachment that is only authorized a Sergeant First Class, &#39;Detachment Sergeant,&#39; however I verbally address him as First Sergeant because he is serving in that role and position. I have had two Sergeant First Classes serve in this position and once they were no longer the Detachment Sergeant, I again called them Sergeant First Class. I look at it as calling the Captains who are Commanders, &#39;Commanders&#39; but I understand the concern if the Detachment Sergeant is a jerk about it with his own Soldiers. As far as I know neither of my two MP 1SGs ever act that way.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Regarding using &#39;TOP&#39; I have had several First Sergeants, including mine as a Company Commander, tell me that they were not &#39;TOPs&#39; and they did not want to be addressed that way. The best way I heard it described was that a top spun around in circles while not really going anywhere and that is the exact opposite of what a good First Sergeant does! Since that discusison, I have never addressed a First Sergeant as &#39;TOP&#39; but if they want to use that descriptor, I have no issue with it.&lt;/p&gt;

2013-11-19T08:06:53-05:00 2013-11-19T08:06:53-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 8030

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Power tripping......I've seen it far too many times to count. If you're not rocking a diamond then no 1SG for you.

2013-11-19T09:45:13-05:00 2013-11-19T09:45:13-05:00 LTC Private RallyPoint Member 9129

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>&lt;p&gt;SFC Boulanger,&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Your initial question made me think about all the times I have addressed NCOs in the rank of Sergeant First Class, who are serving in the position of First Sergeant, as &quot;First Sergeant&quot; and why you say that is incorrect. My initial response above was based on what I do based on how my NCOs taught me. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After reviewing AR 600-20, 20 September 2012&amp;nbsp;(again), I see where you cite the &quot;Title of Address&quot; of a Sergeant First Class as &quot;Sergeant&quot; (Table 1-1), however, as I read paragraph 2-18. Noncommisioned officer support channel, I see the definition of First Sergeant, &quot;The position of 1SG designates the senior NCO at company level. The 1SG of a separate company or equivalent level organization administers the unit Noncommissioned Officer&#39;s Professional Development Program.&quot; (2-18. b. (3)) The next paragraph discusses the Platoon sergeant, etc. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If a Sergeant First Class is the &quot;senior NCO at company [or equivalent] level&quot; why shouldn&#39;t that NCO be addressed as &quot;First Sergeant?&quot; I do believe however, that the Sergeant First Class serving as the First Sergeant should not use &quot;1SG&quot; in anything that would present himself as a pay grade E8 (emails, phone calls, official documents, etc) because their rank is still Sergeant First Class.&lt;/p&gt;

2013-11-21T08:06:59-05:00 2013-11-21T08:06:59-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 9142

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>&lt;p&gt;SFC Boulanger,&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I have to disagree with you on this. AR 600-20 Table 1-1 shows no rank or position referred to as &quot;TOP&quot;. It is not a military rank and should not be used when addressing&amp;nbsp;ANY&amp;nbsp;NCO.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I am willing to look at any regulation presented that states otherwise.&lt;/p&gt;

2013-11-21T08:36:40-05:00 2013-11-21T08:36:40-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 11953

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>&lt;div dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;font-size: 13.3333px; font-family: serif; left: 109.333px; top: 422.667px; transform: rotate(0deg) scale(1.00159, 1); transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px;&quot; data-angle=&quot;0&quot; data-font-name=&quot;Times&quot; data-canvas-width=&quot;18 [login to see] 68552&quot;&gt;While I agree with part of your statement, the MSG Rank with a Diamond (Technically a Lozenge) should be referred to as First Sergeant yes.. However if you refer to Army Command Policy, it is a descriptor for a position appointed to the Sr NCO at the Company level and should still be addressed as First Sergeant.&amp;nbsp; If we are talking about professional development and customs and courtesies, one should never act as a First Sergeant. If you are sitting in the seat, you either take the role or you don&#39;t... &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;AR 600-20&lt;br&gt;(3) &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;font-size: 13.3333px; font-family: serif; left: 131.547px; top: 422.667px; transform: rotate(0deg) scale(1.04228, 1); transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px;&quot; data-angle=&quot;0&quot; data-font-name=&quot;Times&quot; data-canvas-width=&quot;8 [login to see] 0443&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;highlight selected&quot;&gt;First sergeant&lt;/span&gt;. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;font-size: 13.3333px; font-family: serif; left: 220.36px; top: 422.667px; transform: rotate(0deg) scale(1.00163, 1); transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px;&quot; data-angle=&quot;0&quot; data-font-name=&quot;Times&quot; data-canvas-width=&quot; [login to see] 738342&quot;&gt;The position of 1SG designates the senior NCO at company level. The 1SG of a separate&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;font-size: 13.3333px; font-family: serif; left: 96px; top: 437.333px; transform: rotate(0deg) scale(1.00351, 1); transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px;&quot; data-angle=&quot;0&quot; data-font-name=&quot;Times&quot; data-canvas-width=&quot; [login to see] 384703&quot;&gt;company or equivalent level organization administers the unit Noncommissioned Officer’s Professional Development&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;font-size: 13.3333px; font-family: serif; left: 96px; top: 452px; transform: rotate(0deg) scale(1.00176, 1); transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px;&quot; data-angle=&quot;0&quot; data-font-name=&quot;Times&quot; data-canvas-width=&quot;49 [login to see] 1528&quot;&gt;Program.&lt;/div&gt;

2013-11-26T14:24:08-05:00 2013-11-26T14:24:08-05:00 PO3 Private RallyPoint Member 46422

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Thank goodness I was navy. I don't think there's any way I'd remember all those exceptions.

2014-01-29T12:39:10-05:00 2014-01-29T12:39:10-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 47721

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>There is a big difference between &quot;acting&quot; and &quot;assigned&quot;. If you are an acting 1SG as a SFC then you should most definately be refered to as Sergeant. As acting 1SG, to me that means the assigned 1SG is away on leave or somehting short term, where someone would need to step in to fill his shoes. If you are assigned as the Company 1SG then I think it would be up to that Senior NCO in how he wants to be addressed by his company, by no means will others outside the Company/Battalion have any idea what position he holds so others of course would refer to him as Sergeant. I for one am currently assigned as an Operations SGM, most all in the Battalion refer to me as Sergeant which is perfectly fine as I have not earned the rank of SGM; however many times the S3 or the XO will call me SGM as a sign of respect for the job that I currently hold, I don&#39;t ask for it nor request it. There is no right or wrong answer as long as the respect for your rank and the position you hold are there with those that serve under you.

2014-01-31T06:52:58-05:00 2014-01-31T06:52:58-05:00 MSG Sean Hendricks 47727

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>&lt;P&gt;&lt;SPAN style=&quot;COLOR: black&quot;&gt;&lt;FONT size=3 face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;BLUF: In the Army, there are only three Sergeants.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/FONT&gt;&lt;/SPAN&gt;&lt;/P&gt;<br />&lt;P&gt;&lt;FONT color=#000000 size=3 face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/FONT&gt;&lt;/P&gt;<br />&lt;P&gt;&lt;SPAN style=&quot;COLOR: black&quot;&gt;&lt;FONT size=3 face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;E-5 thru E-8 is addressed as Sergeant.&lt;/FONT&gt;&lt;/SPAN&gt;&lt;/P&gt;<br />&lt;P&gt;&lt;SPAN style=&quot;COLOR: black&quot;&gt;&lt;FONT size=3 face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;E-8 w/Diamond is addressed as First Sergeant.&lt;/FONT&gt;&lt;/SPAN&gt;&lt;/P&gt;<br />&lt;P&gt;&lt;SPAN style=&quot;COLOR: black&quot;&gt;&lt;FONT size=3 face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;E-9 w/Star or w/Star and Wreath is address as Sergeant Major.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/FONT&gt;&lt;/SPAN&gt;&lt;/P&gt;<br />&lt;P&gt;&lt;FONT color=#000000 size=3 face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/FONT&gt;&lt;/P&gt;<br />&lt;P&gt;&lt;SPAN style=&quot;COLOR: black&quot;&gt;&lt;FONT size=3&gt;&lt;FONT face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;The only exception to this guidance is the Sergeant First Class (E-7) that is serving in a Detachment Sergeant position.&lt;SPAN style=&quot;mso-spacerun: yes&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/SPAN&gt;In this case, the individual is addressed as First Sergeant.&amp;nbsp; Acting is not a position.&lt;?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = &quot;urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office&quot; /&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/FONT&gt;&lt;/FONT&gt;&lt;/SPAN&gt;&lt;/P&gt;<br />&lt;P&gt;&lt;SPAN style=&quot;COLOR: black&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;FONT size=3 face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/FONT&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/SPAN&gt;&lt;/P&gt;<br />&lt;P&gt;&lt;SPAN style=&quot;COLOR: black&quot;&gt;&lt;FONT size=3 face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Lastly, the Army has thousands of these NCOs but, only one Sergeant Major of the Army and this individual is addressed as&amp;nbsp;Sergeant Major of the Army.&lt;/FONT&gt;&lt;/SPAN&gt;&lt;/P&gt;<br />&lt;P&gt;&lt;FONT color=#000000 size=3 face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/FONT&gt;&lt;/P&gt;<br />&lt;P&gt;&lt;SPAN style=&quot;COLOR: black&quot;&gt;&lt;FONT size=3 face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Hooah…&lt;/FONT&gt;&lt;/SPAN&gt;&lt;/P&gt;

2014-01-31T07:13:19-05:00 2014-01-31T07:13:19-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 47755

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>A detachment Sergeant is referred to as Sergeant, they are not in a 1SG slot.....nor are they the senior NCO in the company, because it's a detachment.....not a company

2014-01-31T08:47:35-05:00 2014-01-31T08:47:35-05:00 CPT Aaron Kletzing 47824

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I've seen this happen both ways -- where a SFC or MSG is called by their actual rank, and where they are called by the position they are holding ("1SG" or "Top" in the Army).  Not sure which is better.

2014-01-31T10:30:24-05:00 2014-01-31T10:30:24-05:00 MAJ Jim Woods 47849

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p>I always called the First Sergeant " First Sergeant" and the other E-8's  "Top".  It seemed to work and disrespected no one. </p><p><br></p><p>I once commanded a Division Headquarters Company where E-9's (including a Command Sgt. Maj.) and E-8's abounded throughout the Company.  Now THAT was interesting.  As a lowly O3 I felt like I had woken up in a land of Giants.  These guys had more time in the latrine than I had in the Army.  And, don't get me started on their bosses.  </p><p><br></p><p>Have you ever been "braced" by a Lt. Col. who didn't like our version of "clean sheets"?  I had reminded him, apparently in a voice he didn't appreciate (I was on my 2nd tour - he was on his 1st and a Chemical Officer to boot) that we WERE in Vietnam and it really was a combat zone.  Another story for another time.</p>

2014-01-31T11:07:34-05:00 2014-01-31T11:07:34-05:00 1SG Jeremy Parkin 47939

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I will only say this after being in a company 1SG position for 15 months I have never expected to be addressed as 1SG.  The courtesy was always given from my BDE CSM down.  But I for one will always give that same courtesy to any SFC that is willing to preform that role.  That SFC will answer the same for anything that happens in his company.  I know that all you 1SGs worked very hard to earn your rank and may feel differently and I don't blame you I know how hard your job is.<div><br></div>

2014-01-31T13:06:03-05:00 2014-01-31T13:06:03-05:00 SSG Christopher Horton 47985

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I would address any NCO in the position of 1SG as 1SG. It is giving respect for the position that the NCO holds, not the rank (unless that NCO is holding the rank of 1SG).

2014-01-31T14:24:56-05:00 2014-01-31T14:24:56-05:00 CSM Chris McKeown 47992

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>First let me say I am Old Core Army. In the Old Core, if a NCO is assigned to the position of 1SGT then that is their tittle at the Company Level no matter what rank they hold and should be addressed as such or TOP. Also there is no such thing as acting 1SGT, you are assigned to do a job not to act like your doing the job.&lt;br&gt;

2014-01-31T14:34:49-05:00 2014-01-31T14:34:49-05:00 SGM Private RallyPoint Member 48293

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I will start by saying you can read the regulation and try to split the hair any way you want it but everyone will interpret the words differently. The regulation does state you call a SFC as Sergeant and even call a MSG as Sergeant.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I will address senior NCOs by their full rank at times to get my point across so who I am speaking to knows who to search out. When talking to a Soldier I will say go to BDE S1 and see MSG XXX. That way they know they are looking for a MSG not just a SGT.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Now let&#39;s talk about calling a SFC a First Sergeant. Again we can talk about regulation or we can talk about affording someone the proper respect. If you are a SFC filling in for the 1SG while they go on leave I do not expect that SFC to be called Top or First Sergeant. If that SFC was picked to be the First Sergeant then I have no issues with the Soldiers calling that NCO as First Sergeant. They were put in that position and have earned the right to be called First Sergeant.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I will say the SFCs that demand you call them First Sergeant could be on a power trip. I always told my Soldiers to not call me First Sergeant when I stepped into that role as a SFC because I truly felt I had not earned that right yet. Over time is went from Sergeant to First Sergeant and I understood with that term there was respect and not just a title.&lt;/div&gt;

2014-01-31T23:32:42-05:00 2014-01-31T23:32:42-05:00 SSgt Private RallyPoint Member 48461

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Thank you SFC Michael B for bringing this up.  Kind of like with the Navy and their different rank designations.

2014-02-01T04:11:26-05:00 2014-02-01T04:11:26-05:00 SFC David Beesley 48464

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I would say if a SFC was assigned&amp;nbsp;the&amp;nbsp;duty of 1SG, he/she would be called Sergeant. I have many NCOER&#39;s with rated time as 1SG but was a SFC. I preferred to be called Sergeant. I do not know the book answer, just my thoughts.

2014-02-01T04:33:07-05:00 2014-02-01T04:33:07-05:00 CSM Private RallyPoint Member 48571

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Let me answer this question with what I am seeing in my unit right now. Currently 3/5 positions are being filled by non promotable SFCs. 2/3 have already a year if not close to a year under their belts! They are addressed as First Sergeants because that is their duty position. Our Brigade and Battalion level CSMs don&#39;t treat them like temporary fills. They hold their feet to the fire just like they do mine because that&#39;s their job! These SFCs asked for this level of responsibility and should be treated with the respect they are due.&amp;nbsp;

2014-02-01T10:01:50-05:00 2014-02-01T10:01:50-05:00 1stSgt Wayne Theurer 48647

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Its First Sergeant or Top!  I've had the honor to be both a Joint 1SG and a USAF 1SG and I prefer Top, but either is fine.  Not Senior Master Sergeant or as some shorten it as Senior - just not right!

2014-02-01T12:23:30-05:00 2014-02-01T12:23:30-05:00 SSG V. Michelle Woods 49083

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Let me get this straight...senior NCOs reminisce about how disciplined the old Army was and criticize incessantly about how bad the new Army is. However, when a senior NCO like SFC Boulanger brings up a topic like this, another higher ranking senior NCO takes it personal and puts him on blast...and no one says a word!&amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;This pisses me off! I was told you never call out another NCO like that. If you had a problem, you displayed a united front and then discussed your issues privately away from junior troops. I thought that was an old Army style of leadership.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I mean there are MANY things on RP that upset me but this has got to be the first time I&#39;ve gotten just straight angry at the blatant hypocrisy featured here.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Seniors, I would like to respectfully remind you that us juniors on RP are on here because we care and there&#39;s a good chance we&#39;ll be the future seniors of the Army. We watch and read everything you do. You have the opportunity to truly shape and mold our leadership styles and thus make a better military for all. You also have equal opportunity to reduce our faith in those who are training us to take over.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;

2014-02-01T21:31:51-05:00 2014-02-01T21:31:51-05:00 SGT Private RallyPoint Member 49100

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My detachment MSG has the same exact responsibilities as a 1SG. He is in charge of less people yes, but the duties are the same. We have our own UIC, we have all the additional duties of a company and everything a company does just less people. So in turn I address him as MSG because of his position in our detachment as a sign of respect for being the senior enlisted. <div><br></div><div>No disrespect intended SFC, but I find it odd that you would say not to address an E8 as MSG, but you think it is ok to address him as Top neither of which is in any AR. MSG is actually used in official communications but Top is not.</div><div><br></div><div>E5-E8 with the exception of 1SG are officially addressed as Sergeant in person or in correspondence by specific rank (Sergeant, Staff Sergeant and so forth). </div><div><br></div><div>So if you think that calling a 1SG a "nickname" (top) is ok then why is calling a MSG a "nickname",which happens to be his actually rank, not ok? Again no disrespect just curious.</div>

2014-02-01T21:53:05-05:00 2014-02-01T21:53:05-05:00 SGT Private RallyPoint Member 49291

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I never use the word&amp;nbsp;TOP when addressing a&amp;nbsp;1SG&amp;nbsp;ever. Sounds to&amp;nbsp;much like slang &amp;nbsp;to me.

2014-02-02T02:39:53-05:00 2014-02-02T02:39:53-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 49369

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>With all due respect to everyone who is saying that a MSG should be called Master Sergeant, please read AR 600-20 it&#39;s in Black and White and any individual serving in a capacity other than what they normally would be serving in, should be referred to by their tittle, unless they are being referred to by their Rank for PAI, UPL, EO or any administrative action.&amp;nbsp;

2014-02-02T07:36:25-05:00 2014-02-02T07:36:25-05:00 SFC Ocie Conner 49545

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I am a Detachment Sergeant and I am responsible for 130 Soldiers and NCO&#39;s. Most detachment are very small in numbers but for the most part can flex due to attached personnel. Now the last time I looked&amp;nbsp;at &amp;nbsp;my duties and responsibilities as a Detachment Sergeant were no different&amp;nbsp;then the&amp;nbsp;duties and responsibilities as those appointed to the positions of First Sergeant because they are a Sergeant First Class (promotable) or a Master Sergeant who have appointed. In my two years of being a SFC (Detachment Sergeant). I still get the wire brush taken to my backside by the BN/BDE CSM&#39;s as well as the BN/BDE Commander as a &quot;Diamond&quot; wearing 1SG. Whether a SFC&amp;nbsp;in a true 1SG Slot or a Detachment Sergeant.&amp;nbsp;They are the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Commander of the Detachment or Company. Some of my Soldiers refer to me as 1SG, some refer to me as Top and some say &quot;Sergeant. I have never required any thing but what regulation says you must address me as. If anyone who is holding the positions and you are worried about what you are being called. Then your duties and responsibilities are of least importance to you. I believe that if someone whether&amp;nbsp;Soldiers, junior NCO&#39;s and fellow Sr. NCO refer to your as 1SG then it is sign of respect from those acknowledging the job your are doing. It is not just a term of endearment.&amp;nbsp; It can be a Staff Sergeant who could be selected by the BDE CSM to take that slot/position as the &quot;1SG&quot; or &quot;DET SGT&quot; and he/she would still deserved the same courtesy and respect that we would give the person whose rank is required of that positions by MTOE and or TDA.

2014-02-02T13:16:52-05:00 2014-02-02T13:16:52-05:00 SGM Private RallyPoint Member 49980

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>&lt;P&gt;There are a lot of good points brought up here.&amp;nbsp; Just some food for thought from an old guy:&lt;/P&gt;<br />&lt;P&gt;1) A SFC filling the position of a 1SG is addressed as Sergeant per reglatory guidance.&amp;nbsp; In my unit they are addressed as 1SG, they are giving the position, the responsibility, and the authority.&amp;nbsp; They are given the title. &lt;/P&gt;<br />&lt;P&gt;2) They are not allowed to put 1SG/USA on their email as that is reserved for a hard stripe wearing 1SG.&amp;nbsp; They can put SFC/USA 1SG CO A XXXX-XXX&lt;/P&gt;<br />&lt;P&gt;3) There is no such position as &quot;Top&quot;.&amp;nbsp; This is an Armor/Mech term&amp;nbsp;(similiar to the way FA uses the terms Smoke, and Chief).&amp;nbsp; As an Airborne guy who jumped back and forth, I was shocked the first time someone called me Top.&amp;nbsp; That is a huge no-go in the Airborne Infantry community. &lt;/P&gt;<br />&lt;P&gt;4) Detachment Sergeants are exactaly that, with the execption of the few LRSD detachments that are authorized E-8s, they are a SFC position in both rank and title. &lt;/P&gt;<br />&lt;P&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/P&gt;<br />&lt;P&gt;The easiest way to think about this is what is their MTOE duty position that is on their NCOER.&amp;nbsp; If it is 1SG they are a 1SG, if it is MSG, they are Sergeant, if it is SFC they are Sergeant. &lt;/P&gt;

2014-02-03T02:24:06-05:00 2014-02-03T02:24:06-05:00 CW2 Private RallyPoint Member 50060

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was a 1SG as a non-p SFC in garrison and deployed, and part of reset after deployment for a total of about 16 months. I never asked anyone to call me 1SG, but they did anyway out of respect. I wasn&#39;t a crap bag, and I got the respect. Even the MSG at BDE retention called me 1SG despite out-ranking me. And if people called me &quot;sergeant&quot; I didn&#39;t get upset either.&lt;br&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;The only thing that upset me was people saying I was the &quot;acting&quot; 1SG. THAT irritated me.&lt;/div&gt;

2014-02-03T08:53:34-05:00 2014-02-03T08:53:34-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 51497

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Well I read through most of these and have not seen anyone talk about calling a SFC in the ARTILLERY world, SMOKE,, not to forget his lil buddy &quot;Gunny&quot;......&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; c&#39;mon man,, ya can&#39;t forget &quot;Smoke&quot;!!!&amp;nbsp; boom boom,, yes, no,, anyone?&amp;nbsp; lol&lt;br&gt;

2014-02-04T23:22:14-05:00 2014-02-04T23:22:14-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 51516

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>SFC Boulanger, <br />How I have handled this particular situation was fairly simple. If we had a 1SG in our unit that later became a MSG somewhere else in the BN when their 1SG time was up, I ALWAYS address them as "Master Sergeant", as a form of respect for them as a former 1SG. Now, in instances where I don't know the person, and I see MSG on their chest, many times I will just call them Sergeant. However, that being said, I feel as though the grade of E-8 should have the full rank stated when addressing the individual. It's a special rank to hold, and deserving of the extra quarter of a second to say "Master" or "First" before the "Sergeant" part of their title comes out. Just my $0.02 for what it's worth.

2014-02-04T23:43:46-05:00 2014-02-04T23:43:46-05:00 Maj Chris Nelson 54311

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p>When I was in the Army, 1SG was only for those wearing the diamond...however, we had a Services Battery that went for about a year-1.5 years without a diamond.  The Senior ranking SFC was assigned the duties of 1SG for that time period, and he was referred to 1SG as that is the position he was in.  </p><p><br></p><p>In the Air Force, I have never called someone that was not wearing a diamond 1SG.  What is different in the AF however, is that we do have official diamond wearing 1SG in the rank of E-7, E-8, and E-9.  Our E-9 is called Chief Master Sergeant.  I have asked a few of them that were diamond wearing, which they preferred to be called....1SG or Chief.....I have gotten mixed responses. </p>

2014-02-09T11:40:56-05:00 2014-02-09T11:40:56-05:00 SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member 54591

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I feel as if the SFC is in the position of 1SG, then I address them as such. Conversely, I have had occasion to work with some fine individuals that have given up the diamond. These few I still refer to as 1SG out of respect for the job they have done. Both of these groups have earned the right to be called First Sergeant or Top (depending upon your unit).

2014-02-09T21:11:04-05:00 2014-02-09T21:11:04-05:00 CSM Mike Maynard 54732

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>For those who quote the 600-20 as the only source for how to address folks, one thing..........&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;So, I was wrong the whole time for addressing my Drill Sergeant as &quot;Drill Sergeant&quot;.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Shame on them, you&#39;d think they would be teaching us the correct way to address NCOs.&lt;/div&gt;

2014-02-10T07:02:05-05:00 2014-02-10T07:02:05-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 54825

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I&#39;ve actually never, EVER, used the term &quot;Top&quot;. I&#39;ve combed through regulations and I&#39;ve never seen that in the rank structure. It&#39;s like referring to your Command Sergeant Major as &quot;CSM&quot; when you reply to him/her, I&#39;ve also never done that. Sometimes the guys in my unit will poke at me about it, but I don&#39;t care, it&#39;s giving a respect for a rank earned. For me, it&#39;s always &quot;Yes First Sergeant&quot; and &quot;Yes Sergeant Major&quot;. I also address MSGs as &quot;Master Sergeant&quot;, I just feel like E-8 is such a great accomplishment that you should give the respect of the rank. I point this out because I see a lot of people who will bring up topics about SFC serving as a 1SG and saying &quot;Well he&#39;s not a 1SG so I don&#39;t call him that&quot;. But you&#39;re the ones who use &quot;Top&quot;, and that&#39;s not&amp;nbsp;the rank that&amp;nbsp;a 1SG is either. If you&#39;re gonna be right, then be right all the way. You can&#39;t pick and choose when to be right based on convenience.

2014-02-10T11:42:50-05:00 2014-02-10T11:42:50-05:00 1SG Private RallyPoint Member 55109

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The history of being called Top or First Sergeant has been ingrained in the army history for decades.&amp;nbsp; It refers to the TOP NCO in a Company.&amp;nbsp; By regulation, All NCOs from E5 to E8 are called Sergeant even Master Segeant, period.&amp;nbsp; But we often hear Master, or Sergeant First Class, or Staff Sergeant.&amp;nbsp; For me, It does not matter if my Soldiers call me First Sergeant or TOP.&amp;nbsp; I believe they are showing the same respect to the rank.&amp;nbsp; As for filling a role a grade higher than you hold, you should addressed at the rank you carry not the rank of the position.&amp;nbsp; As others have stated, your NCOER will reflect the position. Just my 2 cents!

2014-02-10T20:24:19-05:00 2014-02-10T20:24:19-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 55329

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I remember when I first joined, I was waiting outside the Battery area awaiting SP time when a SFC comes up to me and corrected me on something. Corrected the deficiency, answered 'Roger, Sergeant!"and immediately got blown up. "HOW ABOUT ROGER, FIRST SERGEANT!?"<div>My gaze went to his chest, then back to him then to his chest. "Roger, First Sergeant!"</div><div>I was so confused. There was no way, with me being a day 3 PVT in a new unit to know who was acting 1SG for another Battery, let alone someone I had never seen before.</div><div>Point in case, I immediately looked up the regulation on calling someone by their Duty Position, and not rank. I cannot cite it, and I'm paraphrasing here, so bear with me: "The person holding the Duty Position of First Sergeant shall be addressed by their Position Title if more than 70 personnel fall under their supervision, otherwise, they shall be addressed by their rank."</div><div><br></div><div>Now, again, I definitely cannot cite, nor am I able to find it again, but maybe someone else has read/heard what I'm talking about?</div><div><br></div><div>Be a little more wizened in my career, I simply decided to forego what I had remembered and address anyone in the duty position of 1SG as First Sergeant, unless they're in my immediate NCO Support Channel, then they are simply Top.</div><div>  </div>

2014-02-11T03:20:16-05:00 2014-02-11T03:20:16-05:00 SFC Gary Fox 55331

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Each time I served as a First Sergeant, it was for at least 12 months.  Even my BDE CSM called me First Sergeant.  I'll have to give him a call and let him know he was wrong to do so.  LOL  He'll love hearing that.<div><br></div><div>I even served as the SGM of a Task Force while deployed to Iraq.  My TF CDR a LTC promotable (sorry but every time I put the P in () it changes it to some symbol)  called me SGM all the time.  Even my troops called me that.  The BDE CDR came to visit us one time from CONUS and even he called me SGM.  I guess they were all wrong as well.</div>

2014-02-11T03:23:16-05:00 2014-02-11T03:23:16-05:00 SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member 56905

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Now, if a Master Sergeant is working in a First Sergeant slot what would be the correct way to address them without insulting them?

2014-02-13T18:29:24-05:00 2014-02-13T18:29:24-05:00 SSgt Gregory Guina 56915

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>So much easier in the Marine Corps everyone is addressed by their full rank although Top can be used for a MSgt and of course Gunny for a Gunnery Sergeant.  Calling all E-5s and above Sgt would confuse everyone.<br>

2014-02-13T18:52:33-05:00 2014-02-13T18:52:33-05:00 SFC A.M. Drake 69671

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Im curious as to the 2 1SG's and MSG who gave you a thumbs down and why? Is that not correct?<br>

2014-03-04T22:05:40-05:00 2014-03-04T22:05:40-05:00 1SG Jacob Baty 88032

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Since this is a Customs and Courtesies Class. Can someone dial me in on TOP being a rank. I must not be tracking.

2014-03-29T08:47:10-04:00 2014-03-29T08:47:10-04:00 MSG Private RallyPoint Member 88570

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I served as a Detachment Sergeant for 18 months.  My unit was a mixture of military and civilians and everyone in the detachment called me Sergeant, not 1SG.  The only person that called me 1SG was the Bn CSM.  I didn't like being called 1SG because that wasn't my job.  I was the Detachment NCOIC sure, but the 1SG, not such much.  <div><br></div><div>A 1SG in my mind is the top NCO in the Company serving in the position of advising the Commander on enlisted issues.  In addition the 1SG keeps the Commander out of hot water and brings the hammer down on Soldiers when they screw up.</div>

2014-03-29T21:50:12-04:00 2014-03-29T21:50:12-04:00 SPC Charles Brown 90871

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>If I remember correctly we soldiers address anyone filling the billet of 1st Sergeant as 1st Sergeant no matter what their rank. When they first organized A Btry 5th 52 ADA our senior NCO was a Staff Sergeant filling the 1st Sergeants slot, so he was due recognition as the 1st Sergeant.

2014-04-01T15:28:25-04:00 2014-04-01T15:28:25-04:00 1SG Private RallyPoint Member 104446

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I think this is a very good question and some very good answers. I still even as a First Sergeant address MSG by their full title. I know that the regualtion states that you don&#39;t need to do this, but to me they are in the same grade as myself and should deserve the same type of respect. As for the SFC thing, if they are filling in the role of a 1SG, I still call them &quot;Sergeant&quot;, being that they have not been selected by the Army to the rank of First Sergeant/Master Sergeant. I understand the CSM placing&amp;nbsp;them in that position, but why? Was he/she just the best of the lot, were they really that good? There are a lot of different variable, and I think you have to feel it out. I mean no disrespct to any SFC&#39;s serving in a First Sergeant position, but to many of us, we had to endure a lot to get to that postion in our careers and I feel due the respect that comes with the rank. Just one First Sergeants opinion, do with it what you will.

2014-04-17T10:37:13-04:00 2014-04-17T10:37:13-04:00 1SG Private RallyPoint Member 104452

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I know this is an old post and I have not read all the responses. However, I want to point out that I WAS a company 1SG as a SFC. I was not acting as a 1SG. I failed acting class horribly, and the army is not the place to be acting, especially as the snior enlisted person in a company. I was in an infantry company and at no time did it cross one of my Soldier&#39;s minds to not call me 1SG. My fellow 1SG&#39;s as well as the CSM referred to me as 1SG or Top. Even the garrison CSM and Commander referred to me as 1SG.

2014-04-17T10:45:15-04:00 2014-04-17T10:45:15-04:00 SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member 155177

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Know this post is a little old but I wanted to add a little scenario that happened to me recently. Before I say what happens t just want to add that this person in the most toxic leader I have personally encountered in my 10 years in the Army. <br /><br />I walked into the MSG's office and said " excuse my sergeant have they put out what time close out formation is today". One hour later I was being read a 4856 for disrespect to a Senior NCO for not addressing him by MSG. When I informed him what the regulation says about the subject, he enlightened me by saying " eagles and chickens do different things, I'm an eagle and my work requires me to be addressed by my rank".<br /><br />I brought this up in a impromptu sensing session with a SGM and was told that you can add to the regulation but you can't take away. <br /><br />I don't understand how the Army has not figured out a way to identify this kind of ignorance and hold Soldiers accountable for their actions. I firmly believe that by time you make it to the senior ranks and you have not figured out leadership, and your using your rank as a weapon, reprimand should be swift and fitting of the responsibility you have been given and are getting paid to do.

2014-06-15T23:19:53-04:00 2014-06-15T23:19:53-04:00 SSG David Kaelin 324821

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>"Do I look like I spin on my head?"<br /><br />1SG Terry Wrona upon being called "Top." lol

2014-11-13T04:14:39-05:00 2014-11-13T04:14:39-05:00 SFC Douglas Davis 666522

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Hmm I guess the 6 months that I spent as the HHB First Sergeant all the troops were wrong in calling me that. Might have something to do with them screwing my barracks up really bad and then moving on to the Basketball courts with all furniture in February at FT. Carson. You know after a month with all the extra duties fire guard, security, ect they never tried me again. I never asked them too but all of them called me First Sergeant and a couple that I still see on occasion still do.

2015-05-14T01:34:44-04:00 2015-05-14T01:34:44-04:00 1SG Michael Blount 670644

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="44159" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/44159-38b-civil-affairs-specialist">SFC Michael Boulanger</a> - that's absolutely center mass, first - time go on target, SFC.

2015-05-15T12:49:39-04:00 2015-05-15T12:49:39-04:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 729352

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I served in an official paragraph and line number First Sergeant Position in accordance with the Table of Distribution and Allowances (TDA) for a year and a half. I speak from firsthand experience when I say how the United States Army addresses Enlisted Soldiers is often relative to their Chain of Command and Non-Commissioned Officer Support Channel. <br /><br />My Command Sergeant Major was located at our Headquarters 360 miles away from our Troop Medical Clinic. The Company Commander and the Command Sergeant Major would spend long periods of time on the phone with one another. The Company Commander would often fly up commercially and spend weekends and leave with the Command Sergeant Major.<br /><br />I can go on and on while regretfully many of us have been done dirty while I simply wanted to set the stage of me having served in a First Sergeant Position as a Sergeant First Class. Let me make it clear that AR 600-20 Army Command Policy clearly stipulates how to properly address United States Army Ranks whereas no one is required to address a Staff Sergeant, Sergeant First Class, or Master Sergeant utilizing any other title than Sergeant.<br /><br />The term Top is unofficial, but quite often depends on the leadership's tolerance of such while normally not just everyone is permitted to address a First Sergeant in this manner. This term is normally at the First Sergeants will and pleasure unless it is the Command Sergeant Major, Company Commander or a senior ranking officer addresses him or her as such. As a Sergeant First Class in a First Sergeant position I was addressed as "First Sergeant", "Sergeant", and "Top"!<br /><br />Private (PVT/E-1), Private Two (PV2/E-2), Private First Class (PFC/E-3) are all addressed as "Private".<br /><br />Specialist (SPC/E-4), (not a Non-Commissioned Officer) are addressed as "Specialist".<br /><br />Corporal (CPL/E-4) are addressed as "Corporal" while this is the first time in the enlisted rank structure that the Soldier is considered a Non-Commissioned Officer in spite of them not yet receiving official Non-Commissioned Officer Evaluation Reports.<br /><br />Sergeant (SGT/E-5), Staff Sergeant (SSG/E-6), Sergeant First Class (SFC/E-7), Master Sergeant (MSG/E-8) are addressed as "Sergeant" with a couple exceptions such as "Drill Sergeant", Senior Drill Sergeant", "Gunner" and "Smoke".<br /><br />First Sergeant (1SG/E-8) addressed as "First Sergeant". <br /><br />Sergeant Major (SGM/E-9) and Command Sergeant Major (CSM/E-9) addressed as "Sergeant Major"<br /><br />NOTE:<br /><br />When addressing or identifying one's self officially on the phone it is most appropriate to use full rank. If a third party refers to a Soldier such as in an award ceremony it is most appropriate to refer to their entire rank in this instance as well.<br /><br />NOTE:<br /><br />If your respective branch of services addresses all service members by their full rank such as marines do they should not be encouraged to discontinue addressing United States Army Soldiers by their full rank. There are too many POS E-1’s through E-9’s who correct Sailor’s, Marines and others who address United States Army Staff Sergeants, Sergeants First Class, and Master Sergeants by their full rank. Those POS's who are often POG's are no more than oxygen thieves only encouraging disrespect and making our Soldiers look like dirt bag's! If you are one of these rank mongers who believe that you are better than any service member you outrank you have lost sight of the fact that our rank does not define us. If the shoe fit's wear it and let me add that Sergeant First Class through Command Sergeant Major are all Senior Noncommissioned Officer's worthy of the same level of respect and honors bestowed upon our most senior enlisted members throughout all branches of service.<br />At some point our most senior enlisted members will step up to the plate and put the backbone back into our Non-Commissioned Officer Corps!

2015-06-06T19:46:17-04:00 2015-06-06T19:46:17-04:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 844575

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I suggest that SFC Boulanger do some more research. TOP is an acronym that dates back to the 1850's and stand for Trainer of Personnel and was bestowed upon the Regimental CSM

2015-07-26T07:37:48-04:00 2015-07-26T07:37:48-04:00 SFC Derahn Thornton 875770

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I called all my 1SGs "Top" from PVT to SFC where I am today... Mostly, I built a special relationship with them to do so. Whether it was having personal footprints in his office, or my awesome cadence calling, I only addressed them as such after I've gotten to know them.

2015-08-09T01:36:27-04:00 2015-08-09T01:36:27-04:00 SFC Shane Funkhouser 2783486

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Totally agree. Had an acting 1SG in Iraq we were both SFC at the time and he was going around telling the unit they had to call him 1SG. I explained to him he&#39;s not a 1SG whether acting or not. Although referring to him as top could be appropriate 1SG was not. The idiot went to the SGM to complain and was promptly shown the door while being told to get off his power trip. 2 days later I was told I would be the new acting 1SG.

2017-07-30T16:28:50-04:00 2017-07-30T16:28:50-04:00 1SG Michael Blount 2783754

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Even simpler still - if the person is wearing three up, three down and a diamond in the middle that individual is addressed as first sergeant. Period, end of discussion

2017-07-30T18:15:44-04:00 2017-07-30T18:15:44-04:00 1SG Michael Blount 2783755

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Oh - as a retired first sergeant I would recommend not addressing a first sergeant as top unless you know him or her very well

2017-07-30T18:16:11-04:00 2017-07-30T18:16:11-04:00 CSM Private RallyPoint Member 2797545

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My thoughts are if you have the rank of First Sergeant you should be called 1SG. If not the title of Top (as in top NCO) would be appropriate. Those who get upset about not being called a rank they are not need to put their egos to the side.

2017-08-03T15:13:15-04:00 2017-08-03T15:13:15-04:00 SFC Gary Fox 2797995

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>As a SFC I served in both a First Sergeant position and then a Sergeant Major position. While serving in the First Sergeant position, the company commander and platoon leaders called me &quot;First Sergeant.&quot; The Battalion Sergeant Major and the Brigade Sergeant Major called me &quot;Top.&quot; While serving in a Battalion Sergeant Major position for 8 months, my Battalion Commander and everybody else always called me &quot;Sergeant Major&quot; except for the Brigade Sergeant Major who called me &quot;Top.&quot;<br />When I was put in both those positions (in the same brigade), the Brigade Sergeant Major told me, &quot;You are where you sit and there&#39;s no acting about it. You are expected to live up to the responsibilities.&quot;

2017-08-03T16:52:47-04:00 2017-08-03T16:52:47-04:00 SMSgt Lawrence McCarter 3054102

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The Air Force also has First Sergeants, they can be anywhere from E7 to E9 but nothing lower ever in today&#39;s service. In all cases they ARE the First Sergeant. They report only to the Squadron Commander. (unit on level with Company in the Army or Marines) As an E8 I have held the position of First Sergeant twice and very much enjoyed the job. It was made specially good by having a great NCOIC in the Orderly room and great clerks working there and a great Commander !

2017-11-01T14:34:26-04:00 2017-11-01T14:34:26-04:00 MSG Private RallyPoint Member 4046975

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>First of all there is no such thing as an acting 1SG. If a SFC is set in that position then that is exactly the duty he/she is performing. You would address them as 1SG because that is the title they hold while doing the job! I also held the position as a SFC, however like someone else already commented there is no acting your doing the job. If you chose to hold that position and are weak and let your soldiers call you sergeant because you are acting then that’s your malfunction fix yourself.

2018-10-15T07:34:57-04:00 2018-10-15T07:34:57-04:00 AA Aki Christian 4713993

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Ask what they are doing by. They know then go from there. But you have to assume until then.

2019-06-11T12:11:38-04:00 2019-06-11T12:11:38-04:00 Maj John Bell 4764465

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>A word to the wise... in a a joint command, or when visiting a Marine command, Army practice is not Marine Practice. Use of &quot;Sergeant&quot; by itself for an E-6 or senior, at a minimum, is going to get you the stink eye. Marine version of addressing Marine SNCO&#39;s and NCO&#39;s (at least it was 24 years ago)<br /><br />Pay Grade E-9<br />Formal - Sergeant Major, Informal - Sergeant Major<br />Formal - Master Gunnery Sergeant, Informal - Master Guns or Top (be real careful that she/he considers you part of the inner circle. Never in front of someone outside the unit )<br /><br />Pay Grade E-8<br />Formal - First Sergeant, Informal - First Sergeant<br />Formal - Master Sergeant, Informal - Top (be real careful that she/he considers you part of the inner circle. Never in front of someone outside the unit )<br /><br />Pay Grade E-7<br />Formal - Gunnery Sergeant, Informal - Gunny (Never in front of someone outside the unit.)<br /><br />Pay Grade E-6<br />Formal - Staff Sergeant, Informal - Staff (Never in front of someone outside the unit.)<br /><br />Pay Grade E-5<br />Formal - Sergeant, Informal - Sergeant, Looking for a thumping - Sarge

2019-06-29T17:23:18-04:00 2019-06-29T17:23:18-04:00 2013-11-18T13:15:39-05:00